1 Chronicles 8 20

1 Chronicles 8:20 kjv

And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:20 nkjv

Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:20 niv

Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:20 esv

Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8:20 nlt

Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel,

1 Chronicles 8 verses

1 Chronicles 8 20 Meaning

1 Chronicles 8:20 continues the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin, specifically listing four additional sons of Shashak: Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan. This verse is part of a larger historical record detailing the family lines of Israel, crucial for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and continuity of God's covenant people following the return from exile.

1 Chronicles 8 20 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 8 meticulously lists the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. The book of 1 Chronicles, in general, emphasizes genealogies (Chapters 1-9) as a foundational record for the returning exiles. After the Babylonian exile, these records were vital for establishing one's tribal identity, claiming land inheritances, proving qualifications for priestly and Levitical service, and affirming the continuity of God's covenant people. For the original post-exilic audience, these lists were not merely historical but deeply practical and theological. They reinforced the truth that God had preserved His people and His promises, assuring them of their place within the covenant community. Chapter 8 highlights Benjamin due to its unique historical significance, including the lineage of Israel's first king (Saul, mentioned later in the chapter) and its proximity to Jerusalem. The detailed recounting served as an affirmation of Israel's continued existence as a distinct, divinely chosen people, distinct from surrounding Gentile nations.

1 Chronicles 8 20 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wĕ): A common conjunctive waw, linking this verse as a continuation of the previous list of sons, specifically for Shashak (as inferred from surrounding verses, particularly 1 Chron 8:14, 25-26). It signals the continuation of the precise genealogical record.

• Eliel (אֱלִיאֵל - 'Ĕlî'ēl): A common Israelite name, meaning "God is my God" or "My God is God." Such theophoric names (names incorporating a divine element like "El" for God) were prevalent in ancient Israel, reflecting the parents' faith, a prayer, or a statement of belief at the child's birth. The name emphasizes a personal relationship with God.

• Abdon (עַבְדּוֹן - 'Abhdôn): This name means "servile," "servant," or "service." It could reflect a parent's desire for their child to serve God or simply describe their hope for their son's life of labor or utility. It's a name found elsewhere, e.g., a judge of Israel (Judges 12:13-15).

• Zichri (זִכְרִי - Zikhrî): Meaning "my remembrance" or "memorable." This name might signify that the child was born as a memorial, or it could be an expression of hope that the child would be remembered (perhaps for their good deeds) or that God would remember His covenant promises. The concept of "remembrance" is significant in Israel's history with God (e.g., God remembering His covenant with Noah, Abraham).

• Hanan (חָנָן - Ḥānān): Meaning "gracious" or "he has shown favor." This name is linked to the Hebrew root ḥānan, signifying grace or compassion. It reflects a positive attribute and could be an expression of the parents' thankfulness for divine favor or a hope that the child would exhibit grace in character.

• "Eliel, and Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan" (אֱלִיאֵל֙ וְעַבְדּ֜וֹן וְזִכְרִ֧י וְחָנָ֛ן - 'Ĕlî'ēl wə'abdôn wəzikhrî wəchānān): This list of names, connected by the simple "and," represents distinct individuals within Shashak's lineage. Their very presence in this sacred text underscores the Chronicler's dedication to preserving the exact lineage. The recurrence of such lists emphasizes God's faithfulness in sustaining His people through generations. Though seemingly mundane, each name is a thread in the rich tapestry of Israel's tribal and national identity. The combination of names reflecting divine relationship (Eliel), service (Abdon), memory (Zichri), and grace (Hanan) offers a microcosm of desired characteristics within the covenant community, perhaps unknowingly mirroring God's attributes or the ideal attributes for those serving Him.

1 Chronicles 8 20 Bonus section

The meticulous recording of names like Eliel, Abdon, Zichri, and Hanan reflects the immense value placed on lineage in ancient Israel. This wasn't merely historical record-keeping but deeply theological and pragmatic. The emphasis on individual names within a larger tribal genealogy underscored the personal and communal aspect of the covenant. Each name was part of the divine narrative, confirming that God's plan unfolded not just through grand national events, but through the continuous, faithful preservation of families. The inclusion of Benjamin's genealogy in detail (1 Chr 8) is also significant as it reconnects the returned exiles to prominent figures of their past (e.g., Saul), providing a historical anchor and a sense of belonging for those rebuilding their national and spiritual identity. It reinforced the importance of the twelve tribes, even if some were dispersed, and that Israel remained the collective seed through whom God would fulfill His grand purposes.

1 Chronicles 8 20 Commentary

1 Chronicles 8:20, like many verses in the early chapters of Chronicles, presents a succinct and direct genealogical listing. Far from being mere archaic lists, these names are foundational to the biblical narrative. For the post-exilic audience, they provided a vital link to their ancestral heritage and the promises of God. They served as a tangible proof that God had not abandoned His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but had preserved a remnant through whom His plans would continue to unfold, eventually leading to the Messiah. These names, though perhaps not known for specific historical deeds, are recognized for their very existence within the chosen lineage, fulfilling the promise of numerous descendants. Their inclusion asserts the unbroken chain of Israelite identity, crucial for land inheritance, participation in Temple worship, and reinforcing national solidarity at a time when identity was vulnerable. They highlight the precise and detailed nature of God's providence, showing care for each generation and family line.